Surviving the Peace Plummet

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Peacefulness is the toughest muscle there is, and exercising it only makes it stronger. However, it proves to be the most difficult to keep toned & honed consistently in our lives. Peacefulness is like that one workout that you know is going to take the most time refining that one area, yet on day one you glance at the mirror seeing if any fruit has come of it yet...as if even the slightest sign of progress would push us and motivate us that much further.

1 Corinthians 9:7

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

We are just so desperate for our eyes to be able to validate progress...but honestly, that's just the reward! Having a peace that is strong enough to withstand the storm, refined & toned to handle the wind & waves of life, is one built for that random cold day in June...not just an entire difficult season. In June, we are surrounded by buds of fruit..."progress." We find it easier to flow a little more gracefully. One example of this fruit in my life is that it's easier to get in & out of the car with all of our children without all those coats & sweaters! Much easier to exercise peace in situations like that!

But then that random cold day hits. As we plummet from 70's and 80's to 50's and 60's, our peace plummets dramatically as well. I am someone who loves the winter season, don't get me wrong, but the sweaters do make it a bit more challenging to strap the kids into the carseats...and when you're on your way to church in the morning, let me tell you, the "peace plummet" becomes very real!

We start saying, "Where did this come from? I was doing so good. I had a peace streak without any hiccups along the way! I was on a roll getting that muscle under control!" And then, slowly but surely, the seat belts aren't the only thing setting us off...irritation starts to replace peace one situation after another...all because of that one cold day in June.

But that's all it really takes! We equate one bad day in a good season with "missing fruit." Our eyes can't see it, so where is it? And then, we sometimes are responsible for creating our "bad season." We become too hungry for the reward of The Lord instead of the satisfaction of the hard work that comes with exercise, and that inner strength. We start becoming entitled, like our peacefulness deserves a life of ease...like if we do a "good job" keeping our cool in certain situations, then God should give us less situations to have to keep our cool in...but peace wasn't built to be coddled in comfort...it was built to thrive as we are thrust into the storms of life!

John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

I have just realized lately that while we should produce, and fruit should come of a life well-lived for The Lord, it can't come without an appreciation for the tree itself. The strength of its roots in the ground, deep into the foundation of the soil, is what is going to keep it alive year-round...even on that random stormy day in June...when the tornado sirens are going off, trampolines & umbrellas are blowing by, but you are not going anywhere. Some apples might fall off, but you know more will come if you just hang on. Your peace is not plummeting, but your peace IS your progress. What is inside is stronger than what's on the outside! In leaning on Jesus, you won't bend & break. You'll withstand the storm!